Adults are now the largest group of toy buyers, and the crew debates what that means for kids, innovation and the hobby. Comic Edition Flame and Emirate Xaaron go up on Hasbro Pulse, along with Animated Motormaster and a Soundwave that finally brings Buzzsaw. Lorenzo di Bonaventura talks up the Transformers and G.I. Joe crossover, and Skybound officially announces Transformers Compendium Volume 1. In What We Got This Week, Rob lands Voyager Armada Starscream as a birthday gift.
News
Grown-Ups Surpass Preschoolers as the Biggest Toy Consumers
A toy industry consultancy reports that adults are now the largest segment of toy buyers. Nobody on the crew was surprised, and John pumped his fist in victory. One host said Hasbro surely knew this long ago, since Generations still centers on 1984 and 1985 characters. Another framed the toy industry as a slice of time that may not last forever, now that kids prefer tablets, and Rob noted that demographically it ends with us. Brian said his kids like toys but choose games when given the option. Another host said the real loss is innovation. Collector-focused lines repeat the same formulas, unlike Beast Machines, where every toy was its own unique design. [Source: New York Post]
Legacy United Voyager Class Animated Universe Decepticon Motormaster
Legacy United Animated Motormaster brings a costly BotCon exclusive to everyone. One host noted that BotCon remakes have not sold well, pointing to Antagony on the Hasbro Pulse outlet sale. One host wondered if DNA Design’s Animated Optimus Prime kit could give it a Menasor flair. [Source: Hasbro Pulse]
Generations Comic Edition Autobot Flame and Emirate Xaaron
The Comic Edition two-pack builds Flame from Gamer Edition Megatron and Xaaron from Refractor. Several hosts love it, and Flame should look great with Cloud Rodimus. One host’s nitpick is that Flame’s fists share the gray of the tank treads instead of bright comic colors. Another noted Xaaron’s vehicle parts must be moved around even though Xaaron never transformed. [Source: Hasbro Pulse]
Legacy United Voyager Class G1 Universe Soundwave
A new Legacy United Soundwave finally includes Buzzsaw, with Ravage, Laserbeak and Frenzy for about $55. One host’s Netflix Soundwave has not yellowed, so he is really just paying for Buzzsaw. The crew noted the listing calls the cassette Rumble in toy deco, though it is really Frenzy. Several hosts would rather see Soundblaster colors or new cassettes than this mold again. Everyone agreed a Studio Series 86 Soundwave needs a new Ravage. [Source: Hasbro Pulse]
Legacy United Deluxe G1 Universe Optimus Prime Transformation Video
Mark Maher’s video shows Legacy United G1 Universe Optimus Prime transforming much like the G1 toy. The fists rotate out of the forearms instead of being separate pieces. One host notes Playmates used the same trick on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys in 1992. Another will buy it and expects chrome upgrade kits. [Source: Mark Maher on Instagram]
Transformers One Cog Changers Optimus Prime, Megatron and Sentinel Prime
A retailer listing shows Transformers One Cog Changers Optimus Prime, Megatron and Sentinel Prime. One host called them the dregs of the mainline. Others defended simple toys like the one-step changers, which are easy to grab and fun to flip, unlike over-engineered collector toys. The crew traced how kid lines and collector lines split after Beast Wars. [Source: Agrusti]
Lorenzo di Bonaventura says the crossover movie will focus on six characters from G.I. Joe and Transformers. Chris Hemsworth is under contract, and di Bonaventura wants both Rise of the Beasts Mirage and Cobra Commander in the film. [Source: TFW2005]
Transformers Compendium Vol. 1 Officially Announced by Skybound
Skybound officially announced Transformers Compendium Volume 1. The solicitation specifically mentions Spider-Man, so it should be the complete Marvel run. One host is excited, since IDW’s reprints had to blank out Spider-Man and Circuit Breaker. [Source: TFW2005]
Transformers Target Optimus Prime and Autobot Bullseye Found at US Retail
The Target exclusive Optimus Prime with Autobot Bullseye has been found at retail. Members of the RFC Discord were among the first to report it. [Source: TFW2005]
Legacy United Generations Selects GoBots on Mark Maher’s Instagram
Mark Maher’s photos of the Generations Selects GoBots look fantastic. His post says there are no current plans for a new Bug Bite, though the crew thinks one could come with a new Power Glide set. [Source: Mark Maher on Instagram]
What We Got This Week
Matt
Matt did not get anything this week.
Chris
Chris thinks Transformers Reactivate is likely canceled, so he grabbed the second Reactivate two-pack during a Hasbro Pulse premium sale for about $40. He added Medix for about $16 to reach the order minimum but has not opened either. His Deluxe Insecticons were delayed until Friday, and he is waiting on Pulse for Tidal Wave.
Diecast
Diecast had nothing new this week.
Don
Don had nothing on topic this week.
Rob
Rob got Voyager Armada Starscream from his wish list, a birthday gift from Wheeljack64. He calls it really solid, with an intriguing torso that can be assembled a couple of ways. It is a far better Armada Starscream than the Thrilling 30 Deluxe.